Child disability centre failed to ensure safety - report

A recently inspected centre for children with disabilities, located in the northeast of the country, has been found to have inadequate safety measures, according to a report released by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). The inspection took place in April, following a previous meeting with the provider over concerns of medicine management and other issues.

Two young residents, both requiring long-term respite care, were present during the inspection. The report highlights several critical concerns, including poor food storage, poor cleanliness, and broken or damaged facilities. A fridge used by one resident was found to contain mouldy, pungent-smelling food, with a cooked rice tray and bags of mouldy cooked food, some dating back four weeks.

The inspector noted that the centre's overall condition was poor, with the environment unclean and poorly decorated. The report also highlights inadequate training for staff, with one staff member reporting that five employees lacked specific training in managing certain behaviors. One young resident had been involved in several incidents of aggression towards peers and staff, leading to two residents having to be separated.

Despite the serious concerns, the report states that some centres inspected showed good practice, and several were required to make improvements to ensure the best possible outcomes for residents. HIQA notified both the HSE (Health Service Executive) and Tusla (Child & Family Agency) of their concerns following the inspection.